Abstract
This study was carried out through questionnaire in order to investigate the self-recognized monosodium glutamate (MSG) symptom complex in the eating out of housewives. The subjects were 503 housewives in Inchon and the results are summarized as follows. As for age, 51.9% of subjects were over 40 years old. Also 60.0% of the subjects received a high school education. As for occupation, full-time housewives accounted for 63.7%. Monthly household income of most subjects were 1 million won or more, and monthly food expenses for most subjects were over 300 thousand won or more. Also 71.0% of the subjects lived in apartments. As for frequency of eating out, 69.5% of subjects ate out I~2 times a month, 21.6% did 3~4 times a month, 4.5% did 7 times or more/month and 3.6% did 5~6 times a month. The higher education level, family income or food expense of subjects were, the more they ate out. Most subjects selected the menu of eating out according to preference of family. Also 63.6% of the subjects considered the amount of MSG in eating out. As for menus containing high amount of MSG, 55.8% of subject answered Korean dishes, 31.1% did Chinese dishes. After eating out, 25.1% of subjects perceived MSG symptom complex, such as thirst, tiredness and rapid heart beat, etc. Therefore, it may be necessary to reduce the amount of MSG in eating out and to develop safe and delicious menus of eating out using various natural foods.
